Romance in Big Sky Country

Chapter 1

After being on the road for a couple days with my only a couple sets of clothes and my favorite blanket, and my savings I had finally reached the state lines of Montana.

I stopped at a roadside diner for some food. I felt sick. I had to eat something. The diner was slow for lunch time. The town was small as well. A few horses were tied to the front. Definitely cowboy country, I thought to myself.

I sat down in a red and wood trimmed booth. A nice ash blonde, green eyed female walked up to my booth.

"What can I get you today?" She asked with a smile. I looked over the menu one last time.

"I'll have a green tea, and the cheesy eggs with bacon, and ham please." I smiled and handed her the menu back.

"Coming right up," she smiled and walked away to place my order.

I looked around as I calmly ate. My phone started to vibrate in my pocket. James was calling me again.

Ever since I left he has been calling non stop. I don't answer. I'm surprised I get cell service out here.

After I left the small diner, I put the GPS in for Second Chance Ranch where my brother works. I see that it's only an hour's drive from the diner.

I headed down the highway, and my stomach starts to act up some. I pulled out a water bottle to help with the nausea. It's probably just from being in the car so long.

I decided to play some music while I drove.

*And all those things I didn't say

Wrecking balls inside my brain

I will scream them loud tonight

Can you hear my voice this time?

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care if nobody else believes

'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me*

I sang along with the music until I turned down the drive for Second Chance Ranch. I saw nothing but fence the whole drive.

I spotted a cowboy in a red shirt and a black hat sitting on a brown and white Horse looking at some cows.

I felt the wave of nausea again and I pulled over. I jumped out of my little Toyota and I heaved in some tall grass.

"Are you alright, miss?" The cowboy asked as he handed me a clean rag to wipe my mouth on.

"I'm fine," I swallowed back some bile.

"You sure?" The cowboy swung down from his horse. His shirt rode up a bit. I caught a glimpse of his perfectly sculpted abs. I felt my body heat up.

"I'm fine, I'm just a little lost." I brought my eyes back to his face.

"The Ranch is that way," he said as he pointed me in the direction I was headed. I smiled and thanked him.

I got in my car, and I pulled out my phone to call my brother.

"Hello?" Jason answers.

"I'm almost there, can you meet me outside?" I said trying to keep my embarrassment on check.

"Sure can, see ya soon, Ali." He said. I could almost hear the smile in his words. I looked at myself in the rearview mirror.

I sighed. My skin is pale, with old and newer bruises. I told Jason about it as I left. He said his boss is fine with me staying here until I get back on my feet. Jason is the only friend I have ever had. I would be lost without him.

I pulled up and I saw Jason outside a huge reddish brown barn. He ran up to my car, I stepped out and the smile faded.

"Alison," he says sternly as he looks me up and down. "What the hell? Can I kill him?"

"Jason, it took me forever to get away from him." I felt the tears sting my eyes. "I just need to start over, and think about myself for once." He nodded and pulled me into a hug.

I pop the trunk, and Jason pulls my bag out of the back, and slings it over his shoulder. Just as we were about to head inside we heard a neigh. We turn around, and I spot the cowboy from a few minutes ago ride over the small hill toward us.

"Sawyer!" Jason calls out. Saywer rides up to the house. He dismounted from his horse. "Sawyer, I'd like you to meet my sister, Alison. Alison, this is my boss Sawyer."

"Nice to meet you, Alison." Sawyer says. My knees go weak. My throat is dry. what is happening to me? I look into his honey brown eyes. I felt a pull to him. I have never felt this way before. Not even with James.

"Nice to meet you," I tried to hide my blush. I started to feel dizzy. "I think I need to lie down." I said grabbing on to the rail of the porch. I closed my eyes to stop the dizziness.

I felt strong arms wrap around me.

"I got her," Sawyer said. I laid my head on his strong shoulder. He smelled like leather, sweat, and a hint of mint. I took a deep inhale of his scent. His arms tightened around me. I opened my eyes and his face had a pink tint to it. I bit back a chuckle. I closed my eyes and relaxed into his hold.

"Let's leave her be, Jason" Sawyer said he laid me down on a bed.

"She's been through hell," Jason's voice cracked, "I should've been there for her."

"You couldn't have known. She must have been scared to get away from him." Sawyer sighed. "She doesn't deserve that. No woman does."

I heard the door close, and I ran to the bathroom to throw water in my face. I was so close to him. All I had to do was reach my hand up and pull his face to mine.

Sawyer's eyes held so much emotion. Care, lust, worry, fear, pain, and anger. So much in his eyes. How can I have these feelings for him? I just met him. What would Jason do?

I need to avoid Sawyer. There's a lot of land here, maybe it won't be so hard to avoid him.